Many fruit snacks avoid red dye due to allergies and consumer demand for natural ingredients. Brands like Annie's Homegrown use natural colors derived from fruit and vegetable juices. Similarly, YumEarth and Stretch Island Fruit Leathers offer fruit snacks without synthetic dyes, relying on organic ingredients. Some snacks might use beet juice for color, which is a natural alternative to red dyes like Red 40. It's always advisable to read labels carefully, as manufacturers may change their formulations. For homemade options, making fruit snacks with agar-agar or pectin and natural juices can ensure they are free from unwanted dyes.

Melting Merckens coating wafers involves careful heat management to ensure a smooth consistency without burning. Begin by placing the wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in short intervals of 30 seconds at 50% power, stirring between each interval to promote even melting. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler method: place the wafers in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of barely simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir gently as the wafers melt from the heat. Whether using a microwave or a double boiler, the key is to melt them gradually and avoid overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize or burn. Once fully melted, the wafers are ready for use in dipping, molding, or drizzling applications.

Acetylene, a colorless and highly flammable gas used in welding and as a fuel, does not "expire" in the traditional sense like food or medicine. However, its stability is contingent on storage conditions. Acetylene is stored in cylinders containing a porous material saturated with acetone, which stabilizes the gas under pressure. When stored properly, in a cool, dry place away from sources of ignition and direct sunlight, acetylene cylinders can retain their content safely for years. Yet, over time or if stored improperly, the acetone can evaporate or the cylinder can degrade, potentially leading to safety risks. Therefore, while acetylene itself doesn't expire, its storage system does have a lifespan, and cylinders must be regularly inspected for integrity and pressure stability.